By our third day at Turtle Bay we had got ourselves organised. For most of the week, we arranged one trip out, either through the local Kuoni rep or through the hotel. On Monday we were booked for a boat trip up Mida Creek, a local bird sanctuary.

As usual, we started the day with breakfast in the main restaurant. For the most of the week, we were seated on the patio where we were able to watch the Weaver Birds.

The hotel comprised three large buildings and a number of smaller blocks set in gardens. Between the building containing the main reception and restaurant and the older of the bedroom blocks, there was a pond, and a large number of weaver birds were resident in the surrounding reeds and palm trees.

Weaver birds get their name because they weave enclosed nests hanging precariously from the branches of the trees. The Golden Weavers are particularly attractive because of their bright colouration.

On Monday morning, I had a major effort to get some reasonable photographs, the best of which is clearly the one showing the bird with wings outstretched weaving the nest.

There were about ten people booked for the boat trip, including some rather bored young children, who, all things considered, were very well behaved, even if one of the little girls looked ready to abandon ship at any moment. The number meant two trips for the hotel minibus. We were in the first group, so had about a half hour wait before boarding the boat.  

The boat was a small traditional dhow, made entirely of wood.

Mida Creek is a tidal salt water inlet. Its sandbanks/mudflats attract a large number and variety of wading birds. It is a designated nature reserve, so the birds are protected.

The surrounding vegetation is mangrove, a kind of tree that thrives on salt and brackish water. The leaves grow above the high water line and when the tide is low, the bare roots are clearly visible. 

The creek opens out into the Indian Ocean just south of Watamu. Because the entrance is relatively narrow, Mida Creek is sheltered and calm, with little wave motion.

The main reason for visiting Mida Creek is to view the birds. It is apparently internationally famous and at the right time of the year there are large flocks of birds to be seen.

Unfortunately, we were not there at the right time of year. We did see a variety of birds, but they were mostly in ones and twos and in the distance. 

In addition to the birdlife, Mida Creek has abundant fish stocks, and the locals take full advantage.

There were just two tourist boats in the whole creek, but many more canoes and dhows belonging to the local fishermen (and women!).

There were some people fishing with lines from boats (including the crew of our boat), but the majority of locals were setting nets across the creek to catch fish as the tide rises and falls.

The day started dull and overcast and the weather then got worse.

We were able to see the squall approaching from quite a distance, so the crew were able to prepare the dhow. They stretched sheets of canvas across the deck and down to deck level on the windward side. We were able to "enjoy" the squall, keeping relatively dry.

The rain was very heavy, but lasted less than half an hour, after which the crew was able to open up the deck again. 

On the way back downstream we stopped to visit a mangrove covered island, with an elevated boardwalk (not in very good condition) providing the basis for a short nature walk through the mangroves.

When we arrived, there were enticing smells from a barbecue on the beach. Unfortunately, it was not for us!

One of the most interesting sights on the island was the population of Sand Skippers, small reptiles sitting on rocks and branches near the water line.

We returned to the hotel in time for lunch and then spent our time relaxing in our room and around the pool.

Walking on the patio outside our room, we were almost brained by this coconut falling off the tree. The first we knew was the thump as it hit the ground by our feet.

There was entertainment most nights of the week, either on the patio around the pool or in the beach bar.

By far the best of the lot was the Jambo Kids acrobats. Somewhat older than their name suggests, this group of athletic youngsters engaged in acrobatics, juggling and fire eating.

They performed with bare feet on a rough concrete surface. Clearly their feet are a lot tougher than ours.